Adjustable arch support orthosis including variably tensioned arch curve and method of utilizing orthosis

ABSTRACT

An arch support orthosis includes an arch curve being variably tensioned for supporting a user&#39;s arch and foot. The arch support orthosis includes a metatarsal curve, a curved heel portion and a continuous medial longitudinal arch curve. An anterior slope and posterior slope of the arch curve include varying thicknesses from the base of each slope to a crown of the arch curve. A greater base thickness of each anterior and posterior slope provides firm support of the respective anterior curve and posterior curve of a user&#39;s arch, with the crown being resiliently supportive of the user&#39;s arch during weighted and unweighted use. A means for tensioning having an adjusting means are connectable under the continuous arch curve between the anterior and posterior slopes, thereby allowing a user to adjust angles of the respective slopes and the tension along the arch curve for treating plantar fasciitis and other foot disorders.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a CIP of U.S. patent application No. 09723,063,filed on Nov. 27, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,736, entitled “AdjustableArch Brace Orthotic And Method Of Treating Plantar Fasciitis And RelatedFoot Disorder”, which is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/578,653, filed on May 25, 2000 now Pat. No. 6,345,455, entitled“Orthotic Arc Support Including Self-Adjusting Arch Curve And Method ofUsing Orthotic.”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of arch support orthosisfor feet, and more particularly to a therapeutic arch orthosis includinga variably tensioned arch curve and a method of utilizing the orthosisin treating foot disorders.

2. Description of Related Art

Prior foot support devices typically provide flexible cushioningmaterial for support of an arch of a foot. Typical prior devices haveprovided pliable cushion pads that can be utilized to build up thecushioning materials for support of a heel or an arch. Other priordevices have provided shoes or boots that contain an integral andnon-removable foot support structure that is installed as a single unitinto a specially designed shoe or boot having an externally accessedadjustment screw or connector, which is not transferable to other shoes.The arch portions of prior pliable insoles were not adjustable withoutadding or removing layers of cushioning materials.

Prior foot instep supports typically provide an arch curve that iscomposed of flexible materials such as leather, foam, pliable plastic,and/or resilient sheet metal to provide comfort for the wearer of thefoot instep supports. Prior insole or instep devices generally are madeto have a similar thickness along the length of the insole, or have asolid arch portion composed of flexible rubber or compressible foammaterial having a thickness extending continuously from the arch surfaceto a generally flat base of the insole. The prior foot instep supportswere malleable and did not retain a rigid shape. The prior foot instepsupports were purposefully made of malleable and flexible materials toallow changing of the curvatures to fit a user, and/or to allow theinstep supports to be bent to fit into different styles of shoes. Theheel and/or arch curve portions of prior instep supports were typicallycompressed over periods of extended use, with little or no repetitiverebound properties for retention of the original curvature of the archportion or the instep support portion. With no retention of the originalcurvature of the arch portion of prior instep supports, the arch portionwould fail and flatten with use, and a user's arch curve was notproperly supported after extended use of prior instep supports, leadingto arch pain and/or heel pain identified in layman's terms as “fallingarches.”

The prior arch support devices only provided arch adjustments thatrequire replacements of stackable members of cushioning. Other footsupport devices require lateral movement of arch support portionscontrolled by adjusting connectors external to the shoe, and whichrequire significant shoe modifications to permanently install withinenclosing shoes or sports boots. The stackable members of cushioningdeformed and flattened during extended use, and the foot support devicespermanently installed within shoes were not transferable to other pairsof shoes.

Medically dispensed shoe orthotics typically provide a rigid orthotichaving been generated from a cast formed of a patient's foot. Themedically dispensed orthotic typically extends a partial length of thefoot, from the toes to the arch portion, of from the arch portion to theheel portion, or extends the full length of the foot. The medicallydispensed orthotic is not adjustable in overall length or in arch curveheight, therefore when a user's foot changes due to growth, or an archcurve resumes a pre-injury height, the cast-formed orthotic is discardedand an additional cast formed orthotic is required to be generated by amedically trained professional to adequately support the foot.

Commercially available sport shoe inserts typically provide a cushionedcover over a rigid length of plastic. The rigid length of plastic mayextend from the arch curve portion to a heel portion of the foot, or mayextend from the toes to the heel portion of the foot. The sport shoeinsert typically is available in one or two arch curve heights such as a“high arch” or “medium arch” style, with the same arch curve heightprovided for both of the right and left shoe inserts. The user isexpected to select a foot length and arch curve height (high or mediumarch), that matches his or her foot, and the user is typically notprovided with assistance from a trained professional. A user having a“low arch” must utilize a “medium arch” style, or locate a lower archsupport insert.

There is a need for an adjustable arch support orthosis providingtherapeutic rigid support of the longitudinal arch of the feet, with theorthosis transferable between pairs of footware. A need exists for anadjustable arch support orthosis including a generally rigid mediallongitudinal arch curve that is variably adjustable in tension along theslope of the arch curve during each weighted and unweighted cycle ofwalking and running. A further need exists for an adjustable arch curveorthosis including a generally rigid medial longitudinal arch curvehaving a means for adjusting the tension along the arch curve, to allowa user to adjust the tension and height of the arch curve for proper fitunder each arch of the right and left foot, and for proper fit invarious styles of footware.

An additional need includes providing a method for utilizing an archsupport orthosis being adjustable in tension along the arch curve,including varying the tension along the arch curve of the arch supportorthosis for treatment of foot disorders under the supervision of amedical professional for a user suffering from heel spurs, plantarfasciitis, arch pain, tendinitis, metatarsalgia, and related footdisorders. A need exists for a method of adjusting the tension along thearch curve of an adjustable arch support orthosis, with maintenance overrepetitive uses of a preferred arch curve tension and slope for supportof the user's arches of the feet, with minimal training of the user andwithout the need for daily or weekly supervision of a medicalprofessional.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention comprises an arch support orthosis including an adjustablearch curve being variably tensioned and being continuous along the archcurve surface. The arch support orthosis is positionable underneath thefoot and is sized and shaped to be removably placed in a shoe or otherfoot enclosure worn by a user. The arch support orthosis includes aplurality of contoured surface curves for support of the plurality ofcontours across the width and along the length of the underside of thefoot. The arch support orthosis includes a metatarsal curve to supportthe metatarsal bones of the forefoot portion, includes a curved heelportion to support the calcaneus bone of the heel portion, and includesan interior upwardly arched side and an outer curved lateral edge. Acontinuous arch support curve (hereinafter, arch curve) of the orthosisincludes a medial longitudinal arch surface along the interior upwardlyarched side. The arch curve includes an anterior slope that is inclinedat an anterior angle to form the leading portion of the arch curve. Thearch curve includes a posterior slope that is inclined at a posteriorangle to form the trailing portion of the arch curve. The arch curvefurther includes a medial slope that is inclined from a crown of anupper surface of the medial longitudinal arch surface towards the outerlateral edge of the orthosis. The anterior slope add the posterior slopeincludes a varying thickness having a depth and thickness of materialthat varies from the base of each slope to the upper portion of eachslope along a crown of the arch curve. The base thickness of each slopeis generally thicker than the thickness of the upper portion of eachslope. The crown of the arch curve includes a lesser thickness than thebase thickness of each slope to provide a variable thickness arch curvethat is pliable and resilient along the crown for support of themid-portion of a person's arch. The greater base thickness of eachanterior and posterior slopes provides firm support of each respectiveanterior curve and posterior curve of a person's arch, while minimizingthe degeneration of the rigidity of the arch curve over prolongedutilization in support of each respective arch. The respective baseportions of each slope and the crown portion of the arch curve arerespectively rigid along the base and the mid-portion of each slope,while being resilient along the crown for appropriate support of eachrespective portion of the user's arches during utilization of theadjustable arch support orthosis.

A means of tensioning is connectable under the continuous arch curve,and includes an adjusting means attached thereon. The tensioning meansand adjusting means allows the user to adjust the anterior angle of theanterior slope, the posterior angle of the posterior slope, and toadjust the tension along the slopes and the crown of the arch curve. Thevariably tensioned arch curve provides a user with multiple adjustmentsof the tension and height parameters of the arch curve for therapeutictreatment of various foot conditions. The arch support orthosis iseasily removable without readjusting the tension and height parametersof the arch curve for placement in any pair of footwear.

The present invention further discloses a method of utilizing the archsupport orthosis for treatment of inflamation and pain in the foot byapplying an arch support orthosis having a variably tensioned continuousarch curve under the foot. The method includes selectively andperiodically adjusting the tension along the arch curve, and the angleof the anterior and posterior slopes of the arch curve, by the wearer'smanipulating of the tensioning and adjusting means attached under thearch curve. The method provides therapeutic support and strengthening ofthe wearer's arches to relieve inflamation and pain associated withplantar fasciitis and/or tendinitis of related connective tissues andjoints of wearer's foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above mentioned features of the invention will become more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description of the inventioncontained herein, read together with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of an arch support orthosis including avariably tensioned arch curve of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1, illustrating an interior side of amedial longitudinal arch curve for support of an arch of a user's leftfoot, illustrating a means for tensioning positioned under the mediallongitudinal arch curve;

FIG. 3 is an opposed side view of FIG. 2, illustrating the plurality ofcurved surfaces of the medial longitudinal arch curve for support of auser's left foot;

FIG. 4a is a partial side view of FIG. 2, illustrating an embodiment ofthe means for tensioning positioned in a first tensioned configurationfor support of a high arch of a user's right foot;

FIG. 4b is a partial side view of FIG. 2, illustrating the means fortensioning positioned under the medial longitudinal arch curve in asecond tensioned configuration for support of a medium arch of a user'sright foot;

FIG. 5 is a perspective top view illustrating an alternative embodimentof an arch support orthosis including a tensioned arch curve havinggenerally rigid base supports for each anterior and posterior slopes ofthe medial longitudinal arch curve;

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5, illustrating an interior side of amedial longitudinal arch curve including an alternative embodiment of ameans for tensioning for variably tensioning the arch curve of an archsupport orthosis of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom view of FIG. 6, illustrating the mediallongitudinal arch curve having attached underneath an alternativeembodiment of a means for tensioning for variably tensioning the mediallongitudinal arch curve;

FIG. 8a is a partial side view of FIG. 6, illustrating the posteriorslope of the medial longitudinal arch curve having a means fortensioning for variably tensioning the arch curve of the presentinvention in support of a user's left arch and foot; and

FIG. 8b is a partial side view of FIG. 6, illustrating the anteriorslope of the medial longitudinal arch curve having a means fortensioning for variably tensioning the arch curve of the presentinvention in support of the user's left arch and foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An adjustable arch support orthosis and method of adjusting the archcurve thereof is disclosed incorporating various features of the presentinvention as illustrated generally for an adjustable arch supportorthosis at 100 in FIG. 1, at 200 in FIG. 5, and at 210 in FIG. 6. Thearch support orthosis includes a contoured orthotic platform sized tosupport the foot of a user from approximately the forefoot 112 end, toabout the heel end 114 of the foot 198 of a user (see FIG. 1 and 2). Theforefoot 112 region includes a transverse arch curvature 116 for supportof the metatarsal bones of the forefoot (see FIG. 1 and 2). Theposterior 114 region includes a concave heel section 118 for support ofthe calcaneus heel bone of the talus area of the foot 198 (see FIGS.1-3).

Each of the arch support orthosis 100, 110, 200, 210 can be sized andshaped in various lengths and widths, and each include adjustable archtensioning and arch height control to accommodate users having a narrow,rigid foot with a high arch (pes cavus), a medium arch, or can be sizedand shaped to accommodate users having a generally more flattened foot(pes planus). Each respective arch support orthosis is sized for supportof either the left foot or right foot of a user. Each arch supportorthosis 100, 110, 200, 210 is removably positioned underneath the footof a user in any of the owner's shoes, and is positioned upon a footsupporting surface within the shoe such as on or under the insole of anyappropriately sized shoe or sandal. The arch support orthosis is shapedand proportioned to replace the insole of a foot support enclosure. Thearch support orthosis is contoured for support of the arch of a rightfoot or a left foot, and is utilizable together as a pair of right andleft arch support orthoses for simultaneous treatment of inflamation andpain in both user's feet. The arch support orthosis is quickly removableand repositioned by the user in any type of footwear such as athleticshoes, walking shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes or sandals, ski boots,and/or work boots, without disassembly of the arch support orthosis andwithout changing the tension of the arch curve portion of the adjustablearch support orthosis 100, 110, 200, 210.

One embodiment of the arch support orthosis 100 includes an interiorarched side 120 of an upwardly arched, continuous, medial longitudinalarch curve 130 (hereinafter, arch curve) which includes an upper,non-segmented portion referred to as an upper crown surface 132, and acentral mid-portion arch slope 122 having a sloped portion extendingtoward a lengthwise center midline 124. The arch curve 130 slopesdownwards in a forward direction towards the transverse arch curvature116, and slopes downwards in a rearward direction towards the concaveheel section 118. The arch curve 130 also slopes laterally outwardstowards an outer edge 126 (see FIG. 1). The lengthwise center midline124 extends from about the transverse arch curvature 116 to the concaveheel section 118. On the outer side of the lengthwise central midline124 is the outer edge 126 that is sloped slightly upwards along theouter perimeter of the arch support orthosis for support of the outerlateral portion of the foot 198. The underside 12 of the forefootportion 112 and heel portion 114 of the orthosis 100 is generally curvedin proportion to the upper surfaces of the orthosis.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, one embodiment of the arch support orthosis100 provides a thickness of the interior arched side 120 of the archcurve 130, and a thickness of portions of the anterior arch slope 134,crown 132, and the posterior arch slope 138, that are generally similarthicknesses to provide an even distribution of tension along the archsupport curve 130. The arch curve 130 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 includesa continuous, non-segmented arch curve 130 including an anterior archslope 134 having an anterior slope angle 136, and including a posteriorarch slope 138 having a posterior slope angle 140 (see FIG. 2). Thedescending posterior slope angle 140 includes an angle of declination142 (see FIG. 4a and 4 b) in a range of between about 12 degrees angleto about 20 degrees angle. The angle of declination 142 is preferablymaintained within a range of about 14 degrees angle to about 16 degreesangle for adequate support of the posterior portion of the curved archof a user's foot 198. For therapeutic support of the arch of a user'sfoot, and for treatment of many foot disorders, it is important tomaintain the angle of declination within, or close to, the preferredrange of angles for therapeutic support of the user's arch along theposterior arch portion proximal to where the plantar fascia is connectedto the calcaneus bone of the user's foot 198.

In order to adjust the tension along the arch curve 130, 130′ and tomaintain the angle of declination 142 within a preferred range ofangles, a means for tensioning 160, 170 is releasably attachable betweenan anterior bracket 172, and a posterior bracket 178, connected undereach surface of the respective anterior arch slope 134 and the posteriorarch slope 138. The means for tensioning 160, 170 may include anyrotatable 188 or similarly manipulated adjustment means 164, 170 knownto those skilled in the art for adjusting the length between two opposedends connected to the anterior bracket 172 and the posterior bracket178. Examples of one embodiment of the means for tensioning 160 includesan anterior cable or rod 162 and a posterior cable or rod 166 that aregenerally rigid in a length dimension, but may be somewhat flexible in alateral direction. A rotatable means 164 for adjusting the lengthbetween the anterior and posterior cable ends includes adjusting devicessuch as a sleeve nut, worm gear, or a small-sized turnbuckle (notshown). When the user manipulates the means for adjusting 164, either byfinger manipulation or by use of a small-sized tool, the anterior cable162 and posterior cable 166 are retracted in overall length between thecable ends, thereby pulling each respective anterior bracket 172 andposterior bracket 178 toward the means for adjusting 164 with ashortening 152 of the tensioning means 160 (see FIG. 2 and 4a). Astension is placed on each respective anterior bracket 172 and posteriorbracket 178 by the shortened tensioning means 160, the bracketconnectors 168, 168′ draw each respective connected portion of theanterior arch slope 134 and posterior arch slope 138 together, therebyinducing additional tension along the arch curve 130, forming a morerigid arch curve 130, and slightly increasing the height of the archcurve 130, providing firm and generally rigid support of a user's arch.When the means for adjusting is manipulated in a direction to lengthenthe tensioning means 160, the length between the ends of anterior cableor rod 162 and posterior cable or rod 166 is extended due to the push ofanterior end 176 against one portion of anterior bracket 172, andextension of tab 192 against a downwards projection of bracket 172,forcing pivoting at an anterior pivot 184 Posterior cable or rod 166 isextended to push against posterior bracket 178 by the push of posteriorend 182 against one portion of bracket 178, and extension of tab 194against a downwardly projection of bracket 178, forcing pivoting at aposterior pivot 186. Extension of the ends of anterior cable 162 andposterior cable 166, with resulting reduction of the tension along thearch curve, and a slight decrease in the height of the arch curve to aneutral height, while retaining a neutral tension along the arch curve130.

An alternative embodiment of the arch support orthosis 110 includes anarch support curve 130′ having a tensioning means 170 and a rotatablemeans for adjusting 190 attached underneath as illustrated in FIGS. 4aand 4 b. A variable thickness along the arch support curve 130′ isdisclosed for portions of the anterior slope 134 and posterior slope 138of the arch curve 130′. For the underside 128′ portion of the arch curve130′, an anterior base portion 144 and a posterior base portion 148 areincreased in thickness in a range of about 3 mm and greater, than acomparably thin thickness 146 of the upper crown 132 portion having arange of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. A rigid arch curve 130′ is providedto support heavily weighted users, and/or athletically inclined users,with the thicker base portions 144, 148 being configured to diminishflex along the anterior slope 134 and posterior slope 138 duringadjustable tensioning of the arch curve 130′ by a user manipulating of ameans for tensioning 170. With diminished flex of the arch curve 130′ bylateral and downward forces placed against the upper crown surface 132,as during repetitive forceful foot-strikes during walking, running, andother athletic activities, a failure indicative of flattening of theprevious arch supports is diminished by a rigid arch curve 130′ havingthe means for tensioning 170 connected underneath according toobservations during testing with a variety of users of various weightsand arch heights while wearing the adjustable arch support orthosis 100,110 of the present invention.

During tensioning of the arch curve 130′ by manipulating and shortening152 (see FIG. 4a) of the means for tensioning 170, an increased tensionis created along the arch curve 130′ with limited raising 150 of theheight of the arch curve 130′. When the means for tensioning 170 islengthened in length 156 (see FIG. 4b), a decreased tension is createdalong the arch curve 130′ with limited lowering 154 of the height of thearch curve 130′. A generally resilient upper crown portion 132 is formedby having a comparably thin thickness 146 of the crown portion 132,while maximizing the rigidity of the base of the arch curve 130′ byincluding increased thickness of the anterior slope base portion 144 andthe posterior slope base portion 148 (see FIGS. 4a and 4 b).

As illustrated in FIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of an arch supportorthosis includes a foot support platform 200 having a plurality ofcurved surface portions including a forefoot support end 202, a heelsupport end 204, a metatarsal arch portion 206, a concave heel cup 208,an upwardly arched and continuous medial side 212, and an outer lateralside 226 contoured upwards at the outer edge of the foot supportplatform 200. The arched medial side 212 is generally aligned along theinterior length of the foot support platform 200 and includes an archcurve 230 arched above the foot support platform 200. The arch curve 230includes an anterior arch slope 232, an anterior slope base 234 havingan increased thickness compared to the upper portion of the anteriorarch slope 232, a posterior arch slope 238, a posterior slope base 240having an increased thickness compared to the upper portion of theposterior arch slope 238, and a central slope 242 that extends to aboutthe midline 222 of the orthosis. The central slope 242 may extend pastthe midline 222 for embodiments designed to support a high arched user.A crown portion 236 forms the crest of the arch curve 230, and may havea thickness of about 1 mm to about 3 mm. The thickness of the upperportion of the anterior arch slope 232, the upper portion of the centralslope 242, and the upper portion of the posterior arch slope 238, may bein the range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm in thickness, with thethickness of the anterior and posterior arch slope increasing toward thebase portions 234, 240. The thickness of the lower portion of thecentral slope 242, proximal to the midline 222, may be in the range ofabout 2 mm to about 4 mm, and greater in thickness. The range of thethickness of the forefoot 202, heel 204, and outer side 226 portions ofthe orthosis 200, may be in the range of about 2 mm to about 4 mm,independent of the variable thickness of respective portions of the archcurve 250. The orthoses 100 110, 200, 210 may be composed of generallyrigid materials known to those skilled in the art, includinghigh-density polymer materials such as Delrin® by Dupont, graphitecomposite materials, ceramic materials, aluminum, copper, steel oranother generally rigid material. When the orthoses 100, 110, 200, 210are composed of aluminum, copper, steel or another metal material, thethicknesses of each portion of the orthosis, including the arch curveportion, may be decreased by about a 1 mm increment while providingsubstantially rigid support of the user's arch and foot.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 a and 8 b, an alternative orthosisincludes a foot support platform 210 having an underside 218 of the archcurve 230, to which a tensioning means 250 is attachable. The footsupport platform 210 includes a generally aligned and continuous archedmedial side 212, an underside 220 configured to have an undersideanterior slope portion 214 and a posterior slope portion 216 to whichconnecting brackets are connectable for attachment therebetween of thetensioning means 250. The thickness and depth of anterior slope base 234allows for connectors 268 to be connected into the anterior slope base234, which may have a thickness of about 3 mm and greater in thickness.The thickness and depth of posterior slope base 240 allow for connectors288 to be connected into the posterior slope base 240, which may have athickness of about 3 mm and greater in thickness. The thickness of theanterior slope base 234 may be less than, or greater than, the thicknessof the posterior slope base 240, depending on the rigidity required forthe anterior portion compared to the posterior portion of the arch curve230, to support the user's arch during extended use of the orthosis 200,210.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, 8 a and 8 b, the foot support platform 210includes a means for tensioning 250 having connector brackets attachablealong the S underside anterior slope portion 214 of the anterior slopebase 234, and along the posterior slope portion 216 of the posteriorbase 240. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the means for tensioning 250includes a plurality of movement for pivoting 256,276 in a verticaldirection, and for swiveling 262, 282 in a lateral direction for theconnections of the means for tensioning in relationship with theconnector brackets 264, 284. As illustrated in FIG. 8b, an alternativemeans for tensioning 250 includes a generally rigid anterior member 252such as a rod or cable connected to an anterior end of a means foradjusting 270 that is adjustable by a user to length or shorten theextended end of the member 252. An anterior connector 254 is connectedthrough a slotted connection within an anterior joint member 258 to ananterior end of the member 252, to allow pivoting 256 in an up and down,generally vertical, direction of the anterior end of the member 252. Theanterior joint member 258 includes an anterior slot 260 into which asecond end 264 of a connector bracket 266 is insertable. The anteriorslot 260 of joint member 258 is attachable with bracket portion 264 toallow for lateral motion 262 (see FIG. 7) of the anterior end of 258.Bracket portion 264 is integral with anterior bracket portion 266 whichis connected with connectors 268 such as rivets or screws to theanterior slope base 234. The bracket portion 264 and anterior bracketportion 266 may include an angle therebetween to provide the necessaryalignment with anterior slot 260 and the underside anterior slopeportion 214 of the anterior slope base 234. The thick anterior slopebase 234 provides rigidity for the anterior slope 232 and provides asecure mounting base for connectors 268 and anterior bracket portion266, providing a reliable connecting means to minimize the failure ofthe connectors 268 and bracket portion 266 during extensive and repeatedstress and strain of the anterior slope 232 and the tensioning means 250imposed by heavily weighted users and/or highly active users of the footsupport platform 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 8a, the alternative means for tensioning 250includes a generally rigid posterior member 272 such as a rod or cableconnected to a posterior end of a means for adjusting 270 that isadjustable by a user to length or shorten the extended end of the member272. A posterior connector 274 is connected through a slotted connectionwithin a posterior joint member 278 to a posterior end of the member272, to allow pivoting 276 in an up and down, generally vertical,direction of the adjusting end of the member 272. The posterior jointmember 278 includes a posterior slot 280 into which a second end 284 ofa connector bracket 286 is insertable. The posterior slot 280 of jointmember 278 is attachable into which a first end of bracket portion 284to allow for lateral motion 282 (see FIG. 7) of the posterior end ofjoint member 278. Bracket portion 284 is integral with posterior bracketportion 286 which is connected with connectors 288 such as rivets orscrews to the posterior slope base 240. The bracket portion 284 andposterior bracket portion 286 may include an angle therebetween toprovide the necessary alignment with posterior slot 280 and theunderside posterior slope portion 216 of the posterior slope base 240.The thick posterior slope base 240 provides rigidity for the posteriorslope 238 and provides a secure mounting base for connectors 288 andposterior bracket portion 286, providing a reliable connecting means tominimize the failure of the connectors 288 and bracket portion 286during extensive and repeated stress and strain of the posterior slope238 and the tensioning means 250 imposed by heavily weighted usersand/or highly active users of the foot support platform 210.

The means for tensioning 250 provides at least four pivotable andswiveling connector junctions along with the ability of the means foradjusting 270 to provide an extendable and retractable means foradjusting the length between connector brackets 266, 286. The means foradjusting 270 for adjusting the length between the ends of the anteriormember 252 and posterior member 272 includes adjusting devices such, asa sleeve nut, worm gear, or a small-sized turnbuckle (not shown).Rotation 290 of the means for adjusting 270 may be accomplished byfinger manipulation tool or with a small wrench. When rotated 290 in onedirection, the anterior member 252 and posterior member 272 areretracted in overall length between the member ends, thereby pullingeach respective anterior bracket 266 and posterior bracket 286 towardthe means for adjusting 270. As tension is placed on each respectiveanterior bracket 266 and posterior bracket 286 by the retracted anteriormember 252 and posterior member 272, tho brackets 266, 286 draw eachrespective connected portion of the anterior slope base 234 andposterior slope base 240 together, thereby inducing additional tensionalong the arch curve 250, forming a more rigid arch curve 250, andslightly increasing the height of the arch curve 250. When the lengthbetween anterior member 252 and posterior member 272 is extended, byrotation 290 (see FIG. 6) in an appropriate direction of the means foradjusting 270, the tension along the arch curve 230 is decreased,providing less rigid support of a user's arch at a slight decrease inthe height of the arch curve 230 to a neutral height, while retaining aneutral tension along the arch curve 230. User adjustment of the meansof adjusting 270 may be incremental as the user strengthens his or herarches with use of the foot support platform 210. In addition, the usercan adjust the rigidity of the arch curve 230 for comfort during variouswalking or runing activities, and can adjust the rigidity of the archcurve 230 of either foot support platform 210 to properly support theslight variation in arch curvature between each foot.

From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilledin the art that advantages of the present invention include rigiditythrough the arch curve portion of the adjustable arch support orthosis100, 110, 200,210, with a flexible crown portion 132, 236, whileprovided a variably tensioned arch curve 130, 130′, 230 to supportvarious configurations of users' arches and feet. It is emphasized thatthe neutral tension along each embodiment of the continuous andnon-segmented arch curve 130, 130′, 230 disclosed herein, ismaintainable during constant use and repetitive stress and strain, whileproviding a generally rigid tensioned arch curve for support of the feetof each user that is heavily weighted, and/or has medium or high archedfeet. User's having arched feet or “flat feet” may benefit from use ofthe Therefore, users can manipulate the means for adjusting and themeans for rotation to lengthen and shorten the tensioning means, toprovide the user with a neutral and supportive tension along eachrespective arch curve 130, 130′, 230, and to provide the user with anincreased tension along the arch curve for increased rigidity andincreased support height of each respective arch curve 130, 130′, 230.During testing with a significant number of users having high and mediumarches, who are also heavily weighted and provide significantly highforces on their heavily weighted arches, results are obtained thatdemonstrate that heavily weighted users tend to break-down the materialsof prior orthotics that lack the tensioning means of the adjustable archsupport orthosis disclosed herein. After repetitive use of priororthotics by heavily weighted users, the arch curvature is reduced inheight and in flex, therefore prior orthotics were reduced rapidly tonon-supportive shapes by heavily weighted users. The adjustable archsupport orthoses 100, 110, 200, 210 disclosed herein provides aplurality of configurations and means for tensioning for maintenance ofthe preferred tension and arch curve shape to consistently andrepetitively support the low, medium or high arches of users, whether ofaverage size or who are heavily weighted. With generally rigid,repetitive support of a user's arches, numerous foot disorders areavoided including plantar fasciitis and related inflamation of theconnecting tissues of the feet. In addition, the adjustable arch supportorthoses disclosed herein provide a method for therapeutic treatment ofplantar fasciitis and related foot disorders due to the maintenance of apreferred angle of declination and a preferred tension along each archcurve 130, 130′, 230, during extended use of the adjustable arch supportorthoses 100, 110, 200, 210.

An alternative embodiment of the means for tensioning includes aplurality of swivel joints positioned along the respective anterior andposterior cables or bars (not shown) to allow rotation of portions ofthe means for tensioning during rotating of the means for adjusting. Anadditional embodiment of the means for tensioning includes two straps ofnon-extendable web material with each of the two straps having a distalend attached to the respective anterior bracket and posterior bracketconnected underneath respective anterior slope and posterior slope ofthe arch curve (not shown). Each of the two straps have a proximal endconnectable together by a means for adjusting such as a sliding buckleor a pressure clamp that is positioned under the medial longitudinalarch curve. A further additional embodiment of the means for tensioningincludes a foam enclosure for either or both ends of the means fortensioning for shock absorption to reduce failure of the anterior andposterior connectors and brackets attached under the anterior andposterior portions of the adjustable arch curve. An alternativeembodiment of the means for adjusting includes an anterior means foradjusting connected proximal to the anterior bracket, and a posteriormeans for adjusting connected proximal to the posterior bracket, with atleast one cable or rod connected therebetween.

While the present invention is illustrated by description of severalembodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of theappended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. Theinvention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to thespecific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrativeexamples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made fromsuch details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants'general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. An arch support orthosis having an arch curvebeing adjustably tensioned during use, said arch support brace beingfittable proximately under a foot and being sized and shaped to beremovably placed within a foot support enclosure worn by a user,comprising: an arch support orthosis being sized for support of the footfrom underneath about the metatarsal bones of the foot, to underneathabout the calcaneus bone of the foot, said orthosis having a firstsurface being contoured for support of the foot, having a second surfacebeing downwardly faced for contact with the foot supporting surface ofthe shoe, and having a medial side and an outer lateral side on opposedsides of a central longitudinal midline of said orthosis; a forefootportion of said first surface being arcuately shaped to be positionableunderneath the metatarsal bones of the foot; a heel portion of saidfirst surface being arcuately shaped to be positionable underneath thecalcaneus bone of the foot; a medial longitudinal arch curve proximatesaid medial side of said orthosis said medial longitudinal arch curvebeing shared to be positionable underneath the arch of the foot, saidmedial longitudinal arch curve having an upper surface being curvedupwardly along a crown portion, said medial side being disposed in acontinuous arched curve along a length dimension of said medial side ofsaid orthosis, said medial longitudinal arch curve including: ananterior slope being inclined from said upper surface of said mediallongitudinal arch curve toward said forefoot portion of said orthosis; aposterior slope being inclined from said upper surface of said mediallongitudinal arch curve toward said heel portion of said orthosis; amedial slope being inclined from said upper surface of said mediallongitudinal arch curve toward said lateral side of said orthosis; and ameans for tensioning said medial longitudinal arch curve connectablebetween an underside portion of said anterior slope and an undersideportion of said posterior slope, said means for tensioning having ameans for adjusting manipulated by a user for adjustment of said meansfor tensioning between a neutral length, a decreased length, and anextended length between said anterior slope and said posterior slope,said means for tensioning including: an anterior bracket being L-shaped,said anterior bracket having a distal portion being connected under saidanterior slope proximal to said medial side, said anterior brackethaving a proximal portion extended downwardly from said anterior slope;a posterior bracket being L-shaped, said posterior bracket having adistal portion being connected under said posterior slope proximal tosaid medial side, said posterior bracket having a proximal portionextended downwardly from said posterior slope; an anterior linkagealigned with said anterior bracket, said anterior linkage having adistal end pivotably connected with said proximal portion of saidanterior bracket, said anterior linkage having a proximal end disposedunderneath said crown portion of said medial longitudinal arch curve; aposterior linkage aligned with said posterior bracket, said posteriorlinkage having a distal end pivotably connected with said proximalportion of said posterior bracket, said posterior linkage having aproximal end disposed underneath said crown portion of said mediallongitudinal arch curve; and said means for adjusting the neutral lengthbetween said distal end of said anterior linkage and said distal end ofsaid posterior linkage, said means for adjusting having opposed endsbeing disposed to accept therein respectively said proximal ends of saidanterior linkage and said proximal linkage, said means for adjustingbeing manipulated by the user; whereby said anterior linkage and saidposterior linkage are retracted into respective opposed ends of saidmeans for adjusting by manipulation of said means for adjusting, theneutral length between said respective distal ends is shortened to saiddecreased length, said anterior and posterior linkages engage respectiveproximal portions of said anterior bracket and said posterior bracket,thereby each respective anterior and posterior brackets pivot inwardly,thereby pulling said underside of said anterior slope and said posteriorslope toward each other and increasing the tension along said mediallongitudinal arch curve, with resulting increase in the stiffness ofsaid arch curve from when said means for tensioning is at the neutrallength; whereby when each of said anterior linkage and said posteriorlinkage is extended from said means for adjusting by manipulation ofsaid means for adjusting, the neutral length between said respectivedistal ends is lengthened to said extended length, thereby each distalend extends against said respective proximal portions of said anteriorbracket and said posterior bracket which pivot against the underside ofsaid anterior slope and said posterior slope, thereby pushing saidunderside of said anterior slope and said posterior slope apart andreducing the tension of said medial longitudinal arch curve withresulting decrease in the stiffness of said arch curve.
 2. The archsupport orthosis of claim 1 wherein said means for adjusting beingrepeatably manipulated by the user for repetitive extension andretraction of said anterior linkage and said posterior linkage.
 3. Thearch support orthosis of claim 1 wherein said means for adjustingincluding a rotatable adjusting means having a sleeve nut, a worm gear,or a turnbuckle.
 4. A foot support orthosis including an arch supportbrace having an arch curve being variably tensioned during use, the footsupport orthosis being fittable underneath the foot and being sized andshaped to be removably placed proximal a foot supporting surface of afoot enclosure worn by a user, comprising: an orthosis being sized forsupport of the foot from underneath about the metatarsal bones of thefoot, to underneath about the calcaneus bone of the foot, said orthosishaving a first surface being contoured for support of the foot, having asecond surface being downwardly faced for contact with the footsupporting surface of the shoe, and having a medial side and a lateralside on opposed sides of a central longitudinal midline of saidorthosis; a forefoot portion of said first surface being arcuatelyshaped to be positionable underneath the metatarsal bones of the foot; aheel portion of said first surface being arcuately shaped to bepositionable underneath the calcaneus bone of the foot; a mediallongitudinal arch curve proximate said medial side of said orthosis,said medial longitudinal arch curve being shaped to be positionableunderneath the arch of the foot, said medial longitudinal arch curvehaving an upper surface being curved upwardly along a crown portion,said medial longitudinal arch curve including: an anterior slope beinginclined from said upper surface of said medial longitudinal arch curvetoward said forefoot portion of said orthosis; a posterior slope beinginclined from said upper surface of said medial longitudinal arch curvetoward said heel portion of said orthosis; and a medial slope beinginclined from said upper surface of said medial longitudinal arch curvetoward said lateral side of said orthosis; and said anterior slopehaving an anterior base of a first thickness, said posterior slopehaving a posterior base of a second thickness, said crown of said medialslope having a third thickness along said upper surface of said mediallongitudinal arch curve, said medial side of said medial longitudinalarch curve being disposed in a continuous arched curve along a lengthdimension of said medial side; means for tensioning said mediallongitudinal arch curve, said means for tensioning connectable betweenan underside portion of said anterior slope and an underside portion ofsaid posterior slope, said means for tensioning having means foradjusting manipulated by the user for adjustment of said means fortensioning between a neutral length, a decreased length, and an extendedlength between said anterior slope and said posterior slope, said meansfor tensioning including: an anterior bracket being L-shaped, saidanterior bracket having a distal portion being connected under saidanterior slope proximal to said medial side, said anterior brackethaving a proximal portion extended downwardly from said anterior slope;a posterior bracket being L-shaped, said posterior bracket having adistal portion being connected under said posterior slope proximal tosaid medial side, said posterior bracket having a proximal portionextended downwardly from said posterior slope; an anterior linkagealigned with said anterior bracket, said anterior linkage having adistal end pivotably connected with said proximal portion of saidanterior bracket, said anterior linkage having a proximal end disposedunderneath said crown portion of said medial longitudinal arch curve; aposterior linkage aligned with said posterior bracket, said posteriorlinkage having a distal end pivotably connected with said proximalportion of said posterior bracket, said posterior linkage having aproximal end disposed underneath said crown portion of said mediallongitudinal arch curve; and said means for adjusting the neutral lengthbetween said distal end of said anterior linkage and said distal end ofsaid posterior linkage, said means for adjusting having opposed endsbeing disposed to accept therein respectively said proximal ends of saidanterior linkage and said proximal linkage, said means for adjustingbeing manipulated by the user; whereby said anterior linkage and saidposterior linkage are retracted into respective opposed ends of saidmeans for adjusting by manipulation thereof, the neutral length betweensaid respective distal ends is shortened to said decreased length, saidanterior and posterior linkages engage respective proximal portions ofsaid anterior bracket and said posterior bracket, thereby respectiveanterior and posterior brackets pivot inwardly, thereby pulling saidunderside of said anterior slope and said posterior slope toward eachother and increasing the tension along said medial longitudinal archcurve; whereby when each of said anterior linkage and said posteriorlinkage is extended from said means for tensioning by manipulation ofsaid means for adjusting, the neutral length between said respectivedistal ends is lengthened to said extended length, thereby each distalend extends against said respective proximal portions of said anteriorbracket and said posterior bracket which pivot against the underside ofsaid anterior slope and said posterior slope, thereby pushing saidunderside of said anterior slope and said posterior slope apart andreducing the tension of said medial longitudinal arch curve, withresulting decrease in the stiffness of said arch curve for reducedsupport of the arch of the user's foot; whereby said medial longitudinalarch curve being tensioned by prior manipulation of said means foradjusting by the user, said arch curve is further tensionedintermittently during each foot-strike by force being transferred by theuser's foot from said heel portion and on to said medial longitudinalarch curve of said orthosis, thereby the tension along said mediallongitudinal arch curve is intermittently increased withoutsignificantly decreasing the height of the arch curve thereby supportingthe arch of the user's foot while said crown portion of said mediallongitudinal arch curve flexibly rebounds to an unweighted position byforce being transferred by the user's foot from said medial longitudinalarch curve and on to said forefoot portion of said orthosis during eachfoot-strike by the user wearing said orthosis.